PBA GOVERNORS SPEAK OUT ON DRAFT LOTTERY ISSUE
PBA Board Chairman Ramon Segismundo (Meralco): While the Commissioner has already released a statement on the lottery draw, I would like to share my thoughts and make a stand. While we may not have the lottery draw equipment and paraphernalia of NBA standard, the integrity of the process and the individual managing the process, the Commissioner, has never been in doubt. I am saddened by the reactions of certain sectors to this lottery draw. I encourage everyone to move forward from this petty incident. The PBA have greater heights to scale and bigger dreams to realize.
PBA Board Vice-Chairman Patrick Gregorio (Talk n Text): I was not there when it happened and I have not watched the tape. I would like to believe it’s a case of mental lapse. So at the end of the day it’s probing the credibility of the person who made the lapse. I do not doubt the credibility of Comm. Chito Salud. Any credibility issue against the Commissioner is an issue against the PBA. Let us be careful. Moving forward, I am sure he will be more cautious. We trust Commissioner Salud but of course we also respect the position of Rain or Shine. We can always discuss the matter in the Board. The over-all interest of the PBA is paramount. Let’s all enjoy the PBA Finals.
PBA Board Treasurer Robert Non (San Miguel Beer): We are 101% in support of the Commissioner in his stewardship of the league. He has proven his impeccable professionalism, integrity and fairness which led to the league’s success. We do not believe in such accusation of impropriety during the lottery to determine the first pick in the coming rookie draft. What will he gain in return? Nothing. This accusation is also tantamount to undermining the league and Comm. Salud’s ability to lead it. Such allegation has no place in the PBA where sportsmanship and integrity are of utmost importance.
PBA Board Governor Manny Alvarez (Barako Bull): I do not believe a re-draw is warranted because, 1) Procedure followed was same as in the past; 2) Both sides were duly represented; 3) No direct evidence of tampering nor bias; 4) We cannot order a re-draw based on mere suspicion; 5) A re-draw would be most unfair to GlobalPort. Changing the process in the future can be discussed in the spirit of continuous improvement but this must not be used to cast aspersion on the integrity of the good Commissioner.
PBA Board Alt. Governor Alfrancis Chua (Barangay Ginebra San Miguel): I express my 100% support for the Commissioner. I have known him to be a man of honor and decency and I believe he will not put his name and reputation at risk. Hindi naman siguro luko-luko si Commissioner para dungisan ang apelyido nila. He is doing a great job. Because of his vision, the PBA has regained its popularity and integrity. I hope we will not take this unfortunate incident against him.
PBA Board Governor Lito Alvarez (Air21): I can understand the concerns of Rain or Shine and Coach Yeng Guiao and I believe there are opportunities for improvement in the lottery process. But all this can be resolved in a nice and pleasant way within the Board without putting to question the credibility and sense of fairness of Comm. Chito Salud. Our confidence in Comm. Salud is complete and unconditional, and I personally don’t believe there is any hanky-panky in the way the lottery draw was conducted.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
